12 Jun 2023 Shangri La Dialogue
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Shangri La Dialogue”. The topic “Shangri La Dialogue” has relevance in the International Relations section of the UPSC CSE exam.
Relevance:
For Prelims:
What is Shangri La Dialogue?
For Mains:
GS 2: International relations?
Importance of Shangri La Dialogue?
India at Shangri La Dialogue?
Why in the news?
Shangri-La Dialogue, concluded its 20th edition in Singapore recently, to capture the shifting strategic trends in Asia.
What is Shangri La Dialogue?
The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual security forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore. It brings together global leaders, defense officials, and experts to discuss and address security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on regional cooperation, maritime security, and geopolitical dynamics.
- Purpose: The Shangri-La Dialogue serves as a platform for regional and global leaders, policymakers, defense officials, and experts to discuss and address security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Host: The forum is hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a leading global think tank that specializes in defense and security issues.
- Venue: The dialogue takes place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, giving it its name.
- Participants: The Shangri-La Dialogue attracts a wide range of participants, including defense ministers, military chiefs, academics, journalists, and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It provides an opportunity for both government and non-government stakeholders to engage in dialogue and exchange views on security-related matters.
- Focus Areas: The discussions at the Shangri-La Dialogue cover a broad range of security issues, including regional security architecture, military modernization, defense policies, terrorism, maritime security, cybersecurity, and emerging challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
Importance of Shangri La Dialogue?
- Security Cooperation: The forum provides a platform for regional and global stakeholders to engage in dialogue and cooperation on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. It facilitates discussions on regional challenges, builds mutual understanding, and promotes cooperation to address common security threats.
- Policy Articulation: The keynote addresses delivered by leaders and defense officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue offer an opportunity to articulate their country’s strategic vision, policies, and perspectives on regional security. It helps in shaping the regional security discourse and fostering better understanding among participants.
- Track II Diplomacy: The informal and unofficial diplomatic discussions held during the dialogue, known as Track II diplomacy, allow participants to engage in open and frank exchanges. It provides a more flexible and constructive platform for building trust, resolving differences, and exploring cooperative measures.
- Networking and Bilateral Engagements: The Shangri-La Dialogue facilitates networking and bilateral engagements among participants. It enables defense officials, policymakers, and experts to interact, build relationships, and explore potential avenues for cooperation outside formal diplomatic channels.
- Regional Stability and Peace: By addressing security challenges and fostering cooperation, the Shangri-La Dialogue contributes to regional stability and peace. It provides a space for dialogue, understanding diverse perspectives, and finding common ground on issues related to regional security, thus reducing the risk of conflicts.
- Insights and Analysis: The forum serves as a platform for exchanging insights, research findings, and analysis on security-related topics. It provides a rich source of information for policymakers, academics, and analysts to deepen their understanding of regional security dynamics and formulate evidence-based policies.
India at Shangri La Dialogue?
- Keynote Address by Indian Prime Minister: In 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. His speech focused on India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the importance of inclusive security, respect for international law, freedom of navigation, and connectivity.
- India’s Maritime Security Engagement: India has consistently emphasized the significance of maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Indian defense officials and experts have participated in discussions and panel sessions on topics related to maritime security, including freedom of navigation, maritime domain awareness, and cooperation in the maritime domain.
- Focus on Regional Cooperation: India has highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Indian officials have stressed the need for inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and respect for the principles of international law to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
- Strategic Partnerships and Engagements: The Shangri-La Dialogue serves as a platform for India to engage with other major powers and regional stakeholders. Indian defense ministers and officials have held bilateral meetings and engaged in sideline discussions with counterparts from other countries to discuss regional security issues, enhance defense cooperation, and build partnerships.
- Perspectives on Indo-Pacific Construct: India has used the Shangri-La Dialogue as an opportunity to articulate its perspectives on the Indo-Pacific construct. Indian officials have highlighted the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that promotes regional connectivity, economic development, and rule-based order.
- Addressing Terrorism and Non-Traditional Security Challenges: India has raised concerns about terrorism, non-traditional security threats, and the need for collective efforts to combat these challenges. Indian officials have emphasized the importance of international cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building to address terrorism and other non-traditional security threats effectively.
Yojna daily current affairs eng med 12th June 2023
Q.1 Which of the following statements regarding the Shangri-La Dialogue is correct?
(a) It is an annual security forum hosted by the United Nations.
(b) The dialogue primarily focuses on security challenges in Africa.
(c) The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) organizes the forum in Singapore.
(d) The Shangri-La Dialogue exclusively involves defense officials from Asian countries.
Answer: (c)
Q.2 Which of the following topics is a primary focus of discussions at the Shangri-La Dialogue?
(a) Climate change and environmental sustainability
(b) Economic cooperation and trade agreements
(c) Regional security challenges in the Asia-Pacific
(d) Cultural exchange and tourism promotion
Answer: (c)
Q.3 Discuss the significance of the Shangri la dialogue in promoting cooperative security, addressing geopolitical challenges, and fostering regional stability. Illustrate your answer with relevant examples.
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